What’s Halloween without some fun pumpkin carving activities? Before you grab your tools and get all set up, though, you’re going to want to check out these clever tricks for creating the best jack-o-lantern in the neighborhood.

Choose your tools wisely. Serrated or boning knives work best for cutting out the lid or large holes in the bottom of the pumpkin for balance. Use an ice cream scoop to remove all those pesky seeds more easily. Try small paring knives that often come in pumpkin-carving kits for carving the finer details.

Get the inside scoop. Forget straight up and down; carve the lid out on a slight angle to keep it from falling through once you replace it. Or don’t carve a lid – carve out the bottom instead.

Let there be light. If you’re going with old-fashioned candles, create a little chimney so the pumpkin can breathe. Light a candle and put the lid back on for a few minutes. See where the lid has blackened and cut a small hole here for smoke to escape. For an easier alternative, grab some battery-operated tea lights, rainbow LEDs or even strobe lights for a cool – and less flammable – effect.

Smells like… pumpkin spice? Make your jack-o-lantern smell like a seasonal delicacy by sprinkling a little cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice inside the lid. Once you light a candle, sit back and enjoy the aroma!

Make your pumpkin go further. Save the pumpkin seeds for a yummy fall snack! And before you toss those gooey scraps, consider getting creative and using them as decorative elements that ooze from the mouth or eyes of your jack-o-lantern!

Keep your jack-o-lantern smiling longer. By spreading petroleum jelly on the cut edges of the pumpkin, you can help seal in moisture. Or add some bleach to a spray bottle filled with water, then spray the pumpkin daily. You’ll be able to fight mold while preventing your pumpkin from drying out. If all else fails, try to revive your pumpkin by placing it facedown in cold water for up to 8 hours.